Dengue Fever

Definition

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness. The infection is passed to humans through mosquito bites. Children and infants who are infected may have no symptoms or only a minor, flu-like illness. Adults who become infected may develop a more severe, life-threatening illness.

Causes

Dengue fever is caused by 1 of 4 specific dengue viruses. They are passed to humans by
infected mosquitoes. The bite can allow the virus to enter the bloodstream and spread through the body. Once in the body, the virus may cause dengue fever.

Risk Factors

Travel to tropical or subtropical areas can increase your chance of getting dengue fever. Areas with known dengue fever include:

Africa

India

Southeast Asia and China

Middle East

Countries in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico) and Central and South America

Australia

Locations in the Central and South Pacific

Occasionally in Florida (Key West) and Texas (bordering Mexico)

Symptoms

Young children or those with their first infection may have mild symptoms. Primary symptoms are a high fever and at least 2 of the following:

Severe headache

Severe eye pain

Chills and fever

Muscle and or bone pain

Red or purple spots in skin

Minor bleeding in the nose or gum

Easy bruising

Nausea/vomiting

The fever tends to reduce within 3-7 days after symptoms begin. As the fever decreases, warning signs of a severe infection may appear, such as:

Severe abdominal pain

Persistent vomiting

Uncontrolled bleeding from gums or nose

Black tarry stools or blood in the urine

Lethargy or restlessness

Difficulty breathing

Pale, cold, or clammy skin

Lightheadedness

A severe infection can lead to shock and organ failure.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will also be asked whether you recently travelled to high-risk areas.

Your body fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.

Treatment

You may be referred to a specialist.

There are no medications currently available that can provide a cure. Treatment is aimed at providing support while the body fights off and eliminates the virus. Supportive care may include:

Bed rest—Your body will need rest while you recover from your illness.

Hydration—Drink plenty of beverages throughout the day. This will help to replace fluids, sugars, and salts lost during the illness. If you are unable to drink enough, you may need to receive IV fluids.

Pain and fever relief—Acetaminophen may be advised to treat pain and fever. Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not advised. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking.

Prevention

If you are in an area with known dengue fever, the following steps may help decrease your risk of dengue fever:

Spend your time in locations that are protected by insect screens or are air-conditioned.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.